22/04/2016

UK's EU Referendum Will Have 'Profound Effect' On Ireland

The UK's upcoming referendum will have a profound effect on Ireland, Labour's Sean Sherlock has said.

Sherlock, the Minister of State at Department of Foreign Affairs with Special Responsibility for ODA, Trade Promotion and North South co-operation, said that while the outcome of this referendum is for the people of the United Kingdom to decide, "the decision that they make will have a profound effect on Ireland, both North and South."

"While this decision is for the people of the United Kingdom, there is no doubt that a vote to leave would have a significant impact on us here in Ireland. The position of the Irish Government is clear – we want the UK to remain part of the EU for three main reasons (i) the clear economic business case which favours the maintenance of the status quo (ii) our shared interest in sustaining stability and prosperity in Northern Ireland and (iii) for retaining the UK as an important ally in the EU," Deputy Sherlock said.

"We do hope that on 24 June, we will be welcoming a Remain vote. If this is not the choice of the UK electorate, then we will be as prepared across all of government as it is possible to be - to manage the consequences and deal with the uncertainties that arise.

"And whatever the outcome, with both the EU – where we will remain a member state and will remain in the euro – and with the UK, we will maintain strong, positive and productive relationships."

(MH/LM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 November 2014
Taoiseach Met By Protesters In Cork
Around 200 protesters greeted the Taoiseach Enda Kenny as he arrived at an event in Blackpool in Cork. The anti-water charge protesters, carrying placards, jeered and shouted at the Taoiseach had to be exited from his car, but gardaí said the protest remained peaceful.
22 January 2013
HMV Ireland Remain Closed Despite UK Move
HMV Ireland stores will remain closed and vouchers will not be accepted or honoured. This is despite a change in the UK where shops remain open and administrators have said gift vouchers will be accepted from tomorrow. Deloitte UK said that after assessing HMV's books, vouchers will now be honoured.
17 January 2019
'Green Card' System To Be Rolled Out For Cross-Border Drivers
People driving across the border between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland, will be required to purchase a 'Green Card' in the event of a no-deal Brexit. As an internationally recognised insurance document, the cards will provide proof of the minimum compulsory motor insurance cover required by the country visited.
12 May 2016
Britons Living In Ireland Urged To Vote In UK EU Referendum
British Citizens living in Ireland have been urged to register to vote in the upcoming British referendum on membership of the European Union by the 16 May deadline.
19 May 2017
New Healthy Ireland Network Initiative Launched
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Healthy Ireland's Keith Wood have launched a new initiative aimed at boosting the national movement for health and wellbeing.